Vehicle superstructure

Abstract

To provide a vehicle upper structure which can suppress vibration of a top ceiling to achieve reduction of noise of a passenger compartment while inhibiting increase of manufacturing costs and increase of the vehicle weight.SOLUTION: A vehicle includes: a roof panel; a front header 13; a top ceiling 17; and multiple rivets 25. The front header 13 is disposed at the passenger compartment inner side relative to the roof panel and extends in a vehicle width direction. The top ceiling 17 is disposed at the passenger compartment inner side relative to the front header 13 and covers the roof panel from the passenger compartment inner side. The top ceiling 17 and the front header 13 are fixed with the rivet 25 so that a gap G is formed between a lower surface 13b of the front header 13 and an upper surface 17e of the top ceiling 17 in at least part of fixing parts, such as a sun visor fixing part 17b, at the top ceiling 17.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a vehicle upper structure, and more particularly to a vibration suppression structure for a top ceiling in a vehicle. [Background technology]

[0002] Currently, efforts are being made to reduce the weight of vehicles in order to improve fuel efficiency. Reducing noise inside the vehicle cabin is crucial to this effort. In particular, the vibration of the top ceiling, which is attached to the roof panel to cover the inside of the cabin, is thought to be a major factor in noise inside the vehicle cabin.

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses a vehicle upper structure in which a vibration-damping reinforcement material is inserted between a roof panel and a top ceiling. The vibration-damping reinforcement material in Patent Document 1 is composed of a base layer made of urethane foam or the like and skin layers made of paper, resin, or the like, laminated on both the front and back sides of the base layer. The vibration-damping reinforcement material is disposed with a gap between it and the roof panel. The skin layer of the vibration-damping reinforcement material facing the roof panel has multiple holes drilled therein. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-151105 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, the vibration-damping reinforcement material disclosed in Patent Document 1 is provided so as to cover substantially the entire surface of the top ceiling on the roof panel side, which causes problems such as increased manufacturing costs and increased vehicle weight.

[0006] Furthermore, in the vehicle upper structure disclosed in the above Patent Document 1, no consideration is given to the vibration energy input to the top ceiling from the body frame members (header and roof rain) arranged between the roof panel and the top ceiling.

[0007] The present invention has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a vehicle upper structure that can reduce noise in the passenger compartment by suppressing vibration of the top ceiling while suppressing increases in manufacturing costs and vehicle weight. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] A vehicle upper structure according to one aspect of the present invention includes a roof panel, a vehicle body frame member, a top ceiling, and a plurality of fixing members. , a first elastic member; The vehicle body frame member is a member that is disposed on the interior side of the vehicle cabin relative to the roof panel and extends in the vehicle width direction. The top ceiling is a member that covers the roof panel from the interior side of the vehicle cabin, is disposed on the interior side of the vehicle body frame member, and has a plurality of fixing parts that are each fixed to the vehicle body frame member. The plurality of fixing parts are members that fix the vehicle body frame member and the top ceiling at each of the plurality of fixing parts. The first elastic member has vibration damping properties and is disposed between the roof panel and the top ceiling in contact with the lower surface of the roof panel and the upper surface of the top ceiling.

[0009] In the vehicle upper structure according to this aspect, the top ceiling is arranged so as to have a gap in the vertical direction relative to the body frame member at at least some of the fixing portions of the plurality of fixing portions. In addition, in the vehicle upper structure according to this aspect, the first elastic member is in a compressed state between the roof panel and the top ceiling due to the compressive force applied from the roof panel and the top ceiling. In the vehicle upper structure according to this aspect, the at least some of the fixing portions include a first fixing portion and a second fixing portion that are spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction, and the second fixing portion is located inward of the first fixing portion and outward of the center of the vehicle width direction. In the vehicle upper structure according to this aspect, the first elastic member is disposed so as to extend only in the region between the first fixing portion and the second fixing portion in the vehicle width direction.

[0010] In the vehicle upper structure according to the above aspect, at least some of the fixed portions are configured to have a gap in the vertical direction between the top ceiling and the vehicle body frame member, so that at least some of the fixed portions suppress the transmission of vibration energy from the vehicle body frame member to the top ceiling. Therefore, in the vehicle upper structure according to the above aspect, the vibration of the top ceiling can be suppressed and noise in the vehicle cabin can be reduced with a simple configuration in which a gap is provided between the vehicle frame member and the top ceiling in at least some of the fixed portions. In addition, in the vehicle upper structure according to the above aspect, the first elastic member having vibration damping performance is disposed in a compressed state between the roof panel and the top ceiling, so a gap can be secured between the roof panel and the top ceiling, and transmission of vibration energy from the roof panel to the top ceiling can be suppressed. Furthermore, because the first elastic member has vibration damping performance, transmission of vibration energy from the roof panel to the top ceiling via the first elastic member is also suppressed. Furthermore, in the vehicle upper structure according to the above aspect, the first elastic member is disposed so as to extend only in the region between the first fixed part and the second fixed part in the vehicle width direction, so that even if vibration energy is transmitted from the roof panel or a body frame member to the top ceiling, the vibration is damped by the first elastic member having vibration damping performance disposed at the location that becomes the antinode of the vibration between the first fixed part and the second fixed part. Thus, the vehicle upper structure according to the above aspect is even more suitable for suppressing vibration of the top ceiling.

[0011] In the vehicle upper structure according to the above aspect, the top ceiling may be configured such that the thickness of at least a portion of the fixing portion is thinner than the thickness of the surrounding area thereof.

[0012] In the vehicle upper structure according to the above aspect, the thickness of the top ceiling at at least some of the fixing portions is formed thinner than that of the surrounding area, so that even when a vertical force is applied to the top ceiling while the vehicle is moving, a gap is easily maintained between the vehicle body frame member and the top ceiling. Therefore, the vehicle upper structure according to the above aspect is suitable for suppressing the transmission of vibration energy from the vehicle body frame member to the top ceiling.

[0013] In the vehicle upper structure relating to the above aspect, the top ceiling may have a hole at each of the multiple fixing portions through which a portion of the fixing member can be inserted, and the body frame member may have a hole at a portion of the top ceiling corresponding to each of the multiple fixing portions through which a portion of the fixing member can be inserted, and each of the multiple fixing members may have a head that is inserted through a hole in the body frame member to engage the body frame member, a body that hangs downward from the head and is inserted through a hole in the top ceiling, and a seat that is connected below the body and supports the periphery of the hole in the top ceiling from below, and the body of the fixing member that fixes the body frame member and at least some of the fixing portions in the top ceiling may have a length that forms a gap between the body frame member and the top ceiling placed on the seat portion.

[0014] In the vehicle upper structure according to the above aspect, a gap is created between the body frame member and the top ceiling by setting the length of the body portion of the fixing member, so that the gap can be formed with a simple configuration, which is suitable for suppressing increases in manufacturing costs and vehicle weight.

[0019] The vehicle upper structure according to the above aspect may further include a second elastic member having vibration damping properties, which is arranged between the body frame member and the top ceiling while abutting the lower surface of the body frame member and the upper surface of the top ceiling, and the second elastic member is in a compressed state between the body frame member and the top ceiling due to compressive forces applied from the body frame member and the top ceiling.

[0020] In the vehicle upper structure according to the above aspect, the second elastic member having vibration damping properties is disposed in a compressed state between the body frame member and the top ceiling, so that the vertical biasing force that the second elastic member applies to the body frame member and the top ceiling can reliably secure a gap between the body frame member and the top ceiling, and more reliably suppress the transmission of vibration energy from the body frame member to the top ceiling. Furthermore, because the second elastic member has vibration damping properties, the transmission of vibration energy from the body frame member to the top ceiling via the second elastic member is also suppressed.

[0021] In the vehicle upper structure according to the above aspect, the second elastic member may be provided so as to extend in the vehicle width direction along the body frame member.

[0022] In the vehicle upper structure according to the above aspect, the second elastic member is arranged to extend in the vehicle width direction along the body frame member, which is further suitable for reliably suppressing vibration energy transmitted from the vehicle pillars and roof side rails to the top ceiling.

[0023] In the vehicle upper structure according to the above aspect, the body frame member may be a front header, and the at least some of the fixing portions may include at least one fixing portion: a sun visor fixing portion that fixes the sun visor together with the top ceiling to the body frame member; a gusset fixing portion that is the portion where the top ceiling is fixed to the body frame member via a gusset; and a bracket fixing portion that fixes the overhead console together with the top ceiling to the body frame member via a bracket.

[0024] In the vehicle upper structure relating to the above-mentioned aspect, the at least some of the fixing parts include at least one fixing part of a sun visor fixing part, a gusset fixing part, and a bracket fixing part, so that the vibration energy transmitted from the body frame member to the top ceiling via the at least one fixing part can be reliably suppressed, and vibration of the top ceiling can be suppressed.

[0025] In the vehicle upper structure according to the above aspect, the vehicle body frame member may be a rear header.

[0026] In the vehicle upper structure according to the above aspect, a rear header is used as the body frame member, and therefore, by providing the gap, the vibration energy transmitted from the rear suspension through the rear header can be prevented from being transmitted to the top ceiling.

[0027] In the vehicle upper structure according to the above aspect, the top ceiling may be arranged spaced apart in the vertical direction from the body frame member.

[0028] In the vehicle upper structure relating to the above-mentioned aspect, the top ceiling is arranged so as to be spaced apart from the body frame member, so that the transmission of vibration energy from the body frame member to the top ceiling can be suppressed throughout the entire structure, including at least some of the fixed portions. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] In the vehicle upper structure according to each of the above aspects, noise in the vehicle cabin can be reduced by suppressing vibration of the top ceiling while suppressing increases in manufacturing costs and vehicle weight. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] 1 is a plan view showing an upper structure of a vehicle according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing an elastic member disposed between a roof panel and a top ceiling. FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a front end portion of a roof of a vehicle. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 3. [Figure 5] 10 is a cross-sectional view showing the fixing structure between the front header and the top ceiling at the sun visor fixing portion. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a plan view showing a part of the top ceiling. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing locations where vehicle body sensitivity was measured in a bench vibration test. [Figure 8] This is a graph showing the car body sensitivity at 125 Hz among the car body sensitivity in the driver's seat under bench excitation. [Figure 9] 10 is a graph showing the effect of providing an elastic member at the front end portion of the top sealing. [Figure 10] FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing a part of the upper structure of a vehicle according to a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 11] 10 is a graph showing the effect of inserting an elastic member between a roof panel and a top ceiling. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the embodiment described below is an example of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment except for its essential configuration.

[0032] [First embodiment] 1. Superstructure of vehicle 1 The upper structure of a vehicle 1 according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 4. Note that Figures 1 to 4 show only a portion of the upper structure of the vehicle 1.

[0033] 1, vehicle 1 includes a roof panel (not shown in FIG. 1), a pair of left and right front pillars 10, a pair of left and right center pillars 11, a pair of left and right roof side rails 12, a front header (body frame member) 13, a pair of left and right gussets 14, roof rains 15 and 16, a rear header (body frame member) 19, a top ceiling 17, and an elastic member (first elastic member) 18. The roof panel is attached to the front header 13, the roof rains 15 and 16, and the rear header 19.

[0034] The front header 13 is joined to the front portion of the roof panel and is configured to extend in the vehicle width direction. The gussets 14 are joined to the left and right sides of the front header 13 and to the roof side rails 12. The roof rains 15, 16 are arranged rearward and spaced apart from each other in the fore-and-aft direction relative to the front header 13. The rear header 19 is joined to the rear portion of the roof panel and is configured to extend in the vehicle width direction.

[0035] The top ceiling 17 is arranged to cover the passenger compartment side of the roof panel and is fixed to the front header 13, gusset 14, roof rains 15 and 16, and rear header 19 by multiple fixing portions. The multiple fixing portions include a sun visor fixing portion 17b, a gusset fixing portion 17c, and a bracket fixing portion 17d. The sun visor fixing portion 17b is a portion where the sun visor is fixed to the front header 13 together with the top ceiling 17. The gusset fixing portion 17c is a portion where the top ceiling 17 is fixed to the front header 13 via the gusset 14. The bracket fixing portion 17d is located near an opening 17a provided in the front center of the top ceiling 17 and is a portion where the overhead console is fixed to the front header 13 together with the top ceiling 17 via a bracket. The sun visor fixing portion 17b, the gusset fixing portion 17c, and the bracket fixing portion 17d are arranged symmetrically on the left and right sides of the top ceiling 17.

[0036] 2, the elastic member 18 is interposed between the roof panel 20 and the top ceiling 17 in the vertical direction. More specifically, the elastic member 18 is in direct contact with the lower surface 20a of the roof panel 20 and the upper surface 17e of the top ceiling 17, and is subjected to vertical forces (arrows A1 and A2) from the lower surface 20a of the roof panel 20 and the upper surface 17e of the top ceiling 17. In other words, the elastic member 18 is interposed between the roof panel 20 and the top ceiling 17 in a compressed state in the vertical direction.

[0037] 3 and 4, the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment further includes an elastic member (second elastic member) 21 interposed between the front flange portion 13c of the front header 13 and the top ceiling 17. The elastic member 21 is in direct contact with the lower surface of the front flange portion 13c of the front header 13 and the upper surface of the top ceiling 17, and is disposed in a compressed state between the front header 13 and the top ceiling 17. Conversely, the elastic member 21 applies a biasing force to separate the front header 13 and the top ceiling 17 in the up-down direction.

[0038] 4, an elastic member 23 can be interposed between the front end portion of the top ceiling 17 and the front windshield 22, or an elastic member 24 can be interposed between the top ceiling 17 and a portion of the front header 13 rearward of the front flange portion 13c. Providing the elastic members 23, 24 in this manner is also effective in suppressing the transmission of vibration energy from the front windshield 22 or the front header 13 to the top ceiling 17.

[0039] Here, the elastic members 21, 23, 24 may be made of a foam material (such as an acrylic foam material or a urethane foam material), but materials other than foam resin may also be used as long as they have vibration damping properties.

[0040] 2. Fixing structure between front header 13 and top ceiling 17 The fixing structure between the front header 13 and the top ceiling 17 in the vehicle 1 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Note that Fig. 5 shows the fixing structure between the front header 13 and the top ceiling 17 at the sun visor fixing portion 17b, but the front header 13 and the top ceiling 17 are fixed with a similar structure at other fixing portions in the vehicle 1.

[0041] 5, in the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, the front header 13 and the top ceiling 17 are fixed together using a rivet (fixing member) 25. The rivet 25 is a member in which a head 25a, a body 25b, and a seat portion 25c are integrally formed, and is made of a resin material, for example.

[0042] Head 25a has an arrowhead shape with a cross-sectional diameter that gradually decreases from bottom to top, and is inserted through hole 13c formed in front header 13 and engaged with the upper surface of front header 13. Body 25b is continuous with the lower end of head 25a, is inserted through hole 13a in front header 13 and is arranged to hang down, and is inserted through hole 17h formed in sun visor fixing portion 17b of top ceiling 17. Seat portion 25c is continuous with the lower end of body 25b, and is formed so as to support the area around hole 17h in sun visor fixing portion 17b from below.

[0043] The body 25b of the rivet 25 is formed with a length that will leave a vertical gap G between the underside 13b of the front header 13 and the upper side 17e of the top ceiling 17 when the front header 13 and the top ceiling 17 are fixed together with the rivet 25. In other words, the length of the body 25b of the rivet 25 is set to be longer than the combined length of the thickness T1 of the sun visor fixing portion 17b of the top ceiling 17 and the thickness of the area around the hole 13a in the front header 13.

[0044] In the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, the thickness T1 of the peripheral portion 17g of the sun visor fixing portion 17b around the hole 17h is thinner than the thickness T2 of the peripheral portion 17g of the sun visor fixing portion 17b. This thickness relationship also applies to each fixing portion that uses rivets 25 to fix the top ceiling 17 to vehicle body frame members (such as the front header 13, roof rains 15 and 16, and rear header 19) and the top ceiling 17, such as the gusset fixing portion 17c and the bracket fixing portion 17d.

[0045] 3. Bench vibration test The bench vibration test conducted using an actual vehicle will be explained using Figs. 6 to 8.

[0046] As shown in Figure 6, in the bench vibration test, samples were prepared above the driver's seat (front left seat) in which the thickness of the top sealing 17 at the sun visor fixing portion 17b (portion indicated by arrow B1) and the gusset fixing portion 17c (portion indicated by arrow B2) were changed, and the vehicle body sensitivity was measured in relation to the gap G between the front header 13 and the top sealing 17. The following samples were prepared for this test.

[0047] <Sample 1> In Sample 1, the thickness of the top sealing 17 at the gusset fixing portion 17c was 4.3 mm, and the thickness of the top sealing 17 at the sun visor fixing portion 17b was 5.5 mm, as shown in Table 1. In Sample 1, a gap of 1.0 mm was left between the front header 13 and the top sealing 17 at the gusset fixing portion 17c, and the front header 13 and the top sealing 17 were in close contact with each other at the sun visor fixing portion 17b.

[0048] [Table 1]

[0049] <Sample 2> In Sample 2, the thickness of the top sealing 17 at the gusset fixing portion 17c was 3.3 mm, and the thickness of the top sealing 17 at the sun visor fixing portion 17b was 3.0 mm, as shown in Table 1. In Sample 2, a gap of 2.0 mm was provided between the front header 13 and the top sealing 17 at the gusset fixing portion 17c, and a gap of 2.0 mm was also provided between the front header 13 and the top sealing 17 at the sun visor fixing portion 17b.

[0050] <Sample 3> In Sample 3, the thickness of the top sealing 17 at the gusset fixing portion 17c was 4.3 mm, and the thickness of the top sealing 17 at the sun visor fixing portion 17b was 4.0 mm, as shown in Table 1. In Sample 3, a gap of 1.0 mm was provided between the front header 13 and the top sealing 17 at the gusset fixing portion 17c, and a gap of 1.0 mm was also provided between the front header 13 and the top sealing 17 at the sun visor fixing portion 17b.

[0051] <Sample 4> In Sample 4, the thickness of the top sealing 17 at the gusset fixing portion 17c was 4.8 mm, and the thickness of the top sealing 17 at the sun visor fixing portion 17b was 4.5 mm, as shown in Table 1. In Sample 4, a gap of 0.5 mm was left between the front header 13 and the top sealing 17 at the gusset fixing portion 17c, and a gap of 0.5 mm was also left between the front header 13 and the top sealing 17 at the sun visor fixing portion 17b.

[0052] Sample 5: Sample 5 uses a top sealing 17 having the same thickness as Sample 1, and an elastic member (urethane foam or acrylic foam) is interposed between the roof panel 20 and the top sealing 17. In Sample 5, the gaps between the front header 13 and the top sealing 17 at the sun visor fixing portion 17b and the gusset fixing portion 17c are the same as those in Sample 1.

[0053] <Sample 6> Sample 6 is a sample that uses a top sealing 17 having the same thickness as Sample 2, and fills the gap between the front header 13 and the top sealing 17 at the sun visor fixing portion 17b and the gusset fixing portion 17c with a sealing material (EPDM rubber foam material).

[0054] As shown in Fig. 7, in the bench vibration test, the vehicle body sensitivity (response sensitivity to vibration) was measured at four locations in the vehicle interior 1a. Specifically, measurements were taken at the ear position Pos.1 of the passenger in the passenger seat 1b, the ear position Pos.2 of the driver in the driver's seat 1c, the ear position Pos.3 of the passenger in the rear seat 1d behind the passenger seat 1b, and the ear position Pos.4 of the passenger in the rear seat 1e behind the driver's seat 1c.

[0055] The measurement results (measurement results at 125 Hz) are shown in Table 2 and Figure 8.

[0056] [Table 2]

[0057] In Table 2, the smaller the vehicle body sensitivity value, the less vibration there is. The measurement results for Samples 2 to 6 are shown with Sample 1 as the reference. Also, Figure 8 shows the measurement results at measurement position Pos. 2.

[0058] As shown in Table 2, at measurement position Pos. 2 (the driver's ear position in the driver's seat 1c), all samples 2 to 6 obtained smaller values ​​than sample 1 as a comparative example. As shown in FIG. 8, sample 2 obtained an especially small value. Samples 3 and 4 also obtained smaller values ​​than sample 1 as a comparative example, and also smaller values ​​than samples 5 and 6. The slight difference in the values ​​related to the vehicle body sensitivity between Table 2 and FIG. 8 is due to the fact that in Table 2, numbers are rounded to one decimal place.

[0059] Furthermore, as shown in Table 2, samples 2 and 4 to 6 also obtained smaller values ​​than sample 1 at measurement position Pos.1.

[0060] The above results show that noise inside the vehicle interior 1a can be reduced in samples 2 to 4, in which a gap is created between the front header 13 and the top ceiling 17 at each of the sun visor fixing portion 17b and the gusset fixing portion 17c. Note that in samples 2 to 4 of this test, a gap is created between the front header 13 and the top ceiling 17 above the driver's seat 1c, but it is believed that noise inside the vehicle interior 1a can also be reduced by adopting a similar configuration above the passenger seat 1b or above the rear seats 1d and 1e.

[0061] 4. Presence or absence of elastic member 21 and ERP In the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, the elastic member 21 is interposed between the front flange portion 13c of the front header 13 and the top sealing 17. The effect obtained by interposing the elastic member 21 will be explained with reference to Fig. 9. Samples 11 and 12 in Fig. 9 have the following configuration.

[0062] <Sample 11> Sample 11 is a sample of the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment in which no elastic member is inserted between the front header 13 and the top ceiling 17, and the other configurations are the same as those of the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment.

[0063] <Sample 12> Sample 12 is a sample in which the elastic member 21 is interposed between the front flange portion 13c of the front header 13 and the top sealing 17, similar to the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment.

[0064] As shown in part C of Figure 9, the ERP (Equivalent Radiated Power) of sample 12 was lower than that of sample 11 near frequencies of 70 Hz and 85 Hz. Specifically, near a frequency of 70 Hz, the ERP of sample 12 was 2 to 3 dB lower than that of sample 11, and near a frequency of 85 Hz, the ERP of sample 12 was 1 to 2 dB lower than that of sample 11. These results show that a vehicle 1 in which elastic member 21 is inserted in a compressed state between front header 13 and top ceiling 17 is superior in terms of obtaining vibration reduction effects in the frequency range of 65 to 85 Hz compared to a vehicle in which no elastic member is inserted.

[0065] 5.Effects In the upper structure of the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, the top ceiling 17 is arranged with a gap G in the vertical direction between the top ceiling 17 and the vehicle body frame members such as the front header 13 at at least some of the fixing portions (sun visor fixing portion 17b, gusset fixing portion 17c, bracket fixing portion 17d, etc.) of the fixing portions of the top ceiling 17 and the vehicle body frame members, so that the transmission of vibration energy from the vehicle body frame members to the top ceiling 17 is suppressed at at least some of the fixing portions. Therefore, in the vehicle 1, the vibration of the top ceiling 17 can be suppressed with a simple configuration in which a gap G is provided between the top ceiling 17 and a vehicle frame member such as the front header 13 at at least some of the fixing portions of the top ceiling 17, and noise in the passenger compartment 1a can be reduced.

[0066] Furthermore, in the upper structure of the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, the thickness T1 of the top ceiling 17 at at least some of the fixed portions is thinner than the thickness T2 of the peripheral portion 17g thereof, so that even when a vertical force is applied to the top ceiling 17 due to, for example, the vehicle 1 traveling, the gap G is more likely to be maintained between the top ceiling 17 and a body frame member such as the front header 13. Therefore, in the vehicle 1, this is suitable for suppressing the transmission of vibration energy from the body frame member such as the front header 13 to the top ceiling 17.

[0067] In the upper structure of the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, the length of the body 25b of the rivet 25 is set so that a gap G is formed between the vehicle body frame member such as the front header 13 and the top ceiling 17 as described above. Set it Therefore, the gap G can be formed with a simple structure, which is suitable for suppressing increases in manufacturing costs and vehicle weight.

[0068] Furthermore, in the upper structure of the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, the elastic member 18 having vibration damping performance is disposed in a compressed state between the roof panel 20 and the top ceiling 17, so that a gap can be secured between the lower surface 20a of the roof panel 20 and the upper surface 17e of the top ceiling 17, and transmission of vibration energy from the roof panel 20 to the top ceiling 17 can also be suppressed. Furthermore, because the elastic member 18 has vibration damping performance, transmission of vibration energy from the roof panel 20 to the top ceiling 17 via the elastic member 18 is also suppressed.

[0069] Furthermore, in the upper structure of the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, the elastic member 18 is disposed between the sun visor fixing portion 17b and the gusset fixing portion 17c in the vehicle width direction, so even if vibration energy is transmitted from the roof panel 20 or the front header 13 to the top ceiling 17, the vibration is damped by the elastic member 18, which has vibration damping performance, disposed at the location that is the antinode of the vibration between the sun visor fixing portion 17b and the gusset fixing portion 17c. Therefore, in the vehicle 1, this is even more suitable for suppressing vibration of the top ceiling 17. From the viewpoint of the function of damping vibration of the top ceiling 17, it is desirable that the elastic member 18 have at least two resonant frequencies and a loss coefficient of 0.01 or greater.

[0070] Furthermore, in the upper structure of the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, the elastic member 21 having vibration damping properties is disposed in a compressed state between the front flange portion 13c of the front header 13 and the top ceiling 17. Therefore, the vertical biasing force of the elastic member 21 inserted in a compressed state reliably ensures a gap G between the front header 13 and the top ceiling 17, thereby more reliably suppressing the transmission of vibration energy from the front header 13 to the top ceiling 17. Furthermore, because the elastic member 21 has vibration damping properties, the transmission of vibration energy from the front header 13 to the top ceiling 17 via the elastic member 21 is also suppressed. The elastic member 24 shown in FIG. 4 also achieves the same effect as described above. Furthermore, even when the elastic member 23 is inserted between the front windshield 22 and the top ceiling 17, this is suitable for ensuring the gap G between the front header 13 and the top ceiling 17 and for suppressing the transmission of vibration energy from the front windshield 22 to the top ceiling 17.

[0071] Furthermore, in the upper structure of the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, the elastic member 21 is arranged to extend in the vehicle width direction along the front header 13, which is even more suitable for reliably suppressing the vibration energy transmitted from the front pillars 10 and roof side rails 12 of the vehicle 1 to the top ceiling 17.

[0072] Furthermore, in the upper structure of the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, the fixing portions of the top ceiling 17 to the body frame members include the sun visor fixing portion 17b, the gusset fixing portion 17c, and the bracket fixing portion 17d, which are fixing portions to the front header 13. Therefore, the vibration energy transmitted from the front header 13 to the top ceiling 17 via the above-mentioned fixing portions 17b, 17c, and 17d can be reliably suppressed, and the vibration of the top ceiling 17 can be suppressed.

[0073] Here, in the upper structure of the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, the front header 13 is used as an example of a body frame member, and is configured so that a gap G is formed between the front header 13 and the top ceiling 17. However, the rear header 19 may be used as the body frame member, and the rear header 19 may be fixed to the top ceiling 17 with a fixing member such as a rivet 25 so that a gap is formed between them. In this case, the same effect as in this embodiment can be obtained.

[0074] As described above, the upper structure of the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment can reduce noise in the passenger compartment 1a by suppressing vibration of the top ceiling 17 while suppressing increases in manufacturing costs and vehicle weight.

[0075] [Second embodiment] The upper structure of the vehicle 1 according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to Figures 10 and 11. Note that the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the arrangement of the elastic member (second elastic member) 26 interposed between the roof panel 20 and the top ceiling 17, but the other configurations are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0076] As shown in Fig. 10, in the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, a pair of left and right elastic members (second elastic members) 26 are also arranged between the front header 13 and the roof rain 15 in the longitudinal direction. The elastic members 26 are interposed between the roof panel 20 and the top ceiling 17, which are not shown in Fig. 10, and are in a compressed state between the roof panel 20 and the top ceiling 17. This is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0077] In the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment, each of the elastic members 26 has an elongated shape extending in the vehicle width direction. Thus, in the region between the front header 13 and the roof rain 15, the elastic member 26 is interposed between the roof panel 20 and the top ceiling 17 in the range from the sun visor fixing portion 17b to the gusset fixing portion 17c in the vehicle width direction (the portion indicated by arrows D1 and D2).

[0078] In this embodiment, the elastic member 26 is also formed from a foam material (such as an acrylic foam material or a urethane foam material), for example.

[0079] The effect obtained by inserting the elastic member 26 between the roof panel 20 and the top ceiling 17 as described above will be described with reference to Fig. 11. Samples 21 and 22 in Fig. 11 have the following configuration.

[0080] <Sample 21> Sample 21 is a sample of the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment in which no elastic member is interposed between the roof panel 20 and the top ceiling 17, and the other configurations are the same as those of the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment.

[0081] <Sample 22> Sample 22 is a sample in which an elastic member 26 is interposed between the roof panel 20 and the top ceiling 17, similar to the vehicle 1 according to this embodiment.

[0082] As shown in Fig. 11, sample 22, in which elastic member 26 elongated in the vehicle width direction was disposed between roof panel 20 and top ceiling 17, had a lower ERP in the frequency range of 80 to 145 Hz (part E) than sample 21. Specifically, at frequencies of 85 Hz and 125 Hz, the ERP of sample 22 was 2 to 3 dB lower than sample 21, and at frequencies around 95 Hz, the ERP of sample 22 was 2 to 2.5 dB lower than sample 21. These results show that vehicle 1, in which elastic member 26 elongated in the vehicle width direction is inserted in a compressed state between roof panel 20 and top ceiling 17, is superior in terms of vibration reduction effect in the frequency range of 80 to 145 Hz compared to a case in which no elastic member is inserted.

[0083] In addition, in the vehicle 1 of this embodiment, at least some of the parts that fix the top ceiling 17 to the body frame members, such as the front header 13, roof rains 15, 16, and rear header 19, are configured so that a gap G is created between the body frame members and the top ceiling 17.As a result, as in the first embodiment described above, the transmission of vibration energy from the body frame members to the top ceiling 17 is suppressed, and vibration of the top ceiling 17 can be suppressed.

[0084] [Variations] In the first and second embodiments, the rivet 25 is used as an example of a fixing member, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a fixing member formed by a combination of a bolt and a nut may also be used.

[0085] Although detailed description was omitted in the first and second embodiments, the configuration shown in FIG. 5 can be employed for at least a portion of the portion where the body frame member and the top ceiling 17 are fixed. In other words, a configuration can be adopted in which a gap is formed between the body frame member and the top ceiling at all fixing portions between the body frame member and the top ceiling in a vehicle, or a configuration can be adopted in which a gap is formed only at some fixing portions. Here, when a gap is formed at some fixing portions, it is desirable to employ the configuration shown in FIG. 5 for portions of the fixing portions between the body frame member and the top ceiling that are close to the pillars (front pillars, center pillars, rear pillars). This is because the vibration energy input from the suspension and the like to the body frame member via the pillars is large in the portions close to the pillars, and this is desirable in terms of suppressing the transmission of vibration energy to the top ceiling.

[0086] The first embodiment described above employs a configuration including elastic members 18, 21, 23, 24, etc., and the second embodiment described above employs a configuration including elastic member 26, but the present invention is not limited to this, and it is not necessarily required to interpose an elastic member between the body frame member or roof panel and the top ceiling. Even in this case, by employing the configuration shown in Fig. 5 in the fixing portion between the body frame member and the top ceiling, it is possible to reduce vibration of the top ceiling and reduce noise in the passenger compartment 1a.

[0087] In the first and second embodiments, the top sealing 17 is configured so that the thickness T1 of the top sealing 17 is thinner than the thickness T2 of the peripheral portion 17g at the portion where the front header 13 and the top sealing 17 are fixed using the rivets 25. However, in the present invention, it is also possible to employ a top sealing having a uniform thickness over the entire area. Even in this case, the same effect as above can be obtained by spacing the top sealing away from the body frame member (leaving a gap) at the portion where the top sealing is fixed to the body frame member.

[0088] In the first and second embodiments described above, a gap G is provided between the body frame member 13 and the top ceiling 17 at the fixing portions 17b, 17c, and 17d of the top ceiling 17 with the body frame member 13. However, in the present invention, the front header 13 and the top ceiling 17 may be in contact with each other or spaced apart in areas other than the fixing portions 17b, 17c, and 17d. Here, if the top ceiling is arranged so that it is spaced apart from the body frame member such as the front header 13 even in areas other than the fixing portions, vibration energy from the body frame member is less likely to be transmitted to the top ceiling from areas other than the fixing portions, which is suitable for suppressing vibration of the top ceiling. [Explanation of symbols]

[0089] 1 vehicle 1a Cabin 13 Front header (body frame member) 13b Bottom side 17 Top ceiling 17b Sun visor fixing part (fixing part) 17c Gusset fixing part (fixing part) 17d Bracket fixing part (fixing part) 17e Top 18, 26 Elastic member (first elastic member) 21, 24 Elastic member (second elastic member) 25 Rivet (fixing member) 25c Seat part

Claims

1. Roof panel and a vehicle body frame member disposed on the vehicle interior side relative to the roof panel and extending in the vehicle width direction; a top ceiling that covers the roof panel from the inside of the vehicle compartment, is disposed on the vehicle compartment side of the vehicle body frame member, and has a plurality of fixing portions that are each fixed to the vehicle body frame member; a plurality of fixing members that fix the vehicle body frame member and the top ceiling in each of the plurality of fixing portions; a first elastic member having vibration damping properties, the first elastic member being disposed between the roof panel and the top ceiling in a state of contacting the lower surface of the roof panel and the upper surface of the top ceiling; Equipped with the top ceiling is disposed so as to have a gap in the up-down direction with respect to the vehicle body frame member at at least some of the plurality of fixing portions, the first elastic member is in a compressed state between the roof panel and the top ceiling due to a compressive force applied from the roof panel and the top ceiling, the at least some of the fixing portions include a first fixing portion and a second fixing portion that are arranged at positions spaced apart from each other in the vehicle width direction, the second fixing portion is disposed inward of the first fixing portion in a vehicle width direction and outward of a center of the vehicle in the vehicle width direction, The first elastic member is disposed so as to extend only in a region between the first fixed portion and the second fixed portion in the vehicle width direction. Vehicle superstructure.

2. The vehicle upper structure according to claim 1, The top ceiling is formed so that the thickness of the at least a part of the fixing portion is thinner than the thickness of the surrounding area. Vehicle superstructure.

3. The vehicle upper structure according to claim 1 or 2, The top ceiling has a hole in each of the plurality of fixing portions through which a part of the fixing member can be inserted, the vehicle body frame member has holes through which parts of the fixing members can be inserted in portions corresponding to the plurality of fixing portions of the top ceiling, Each of the plurality of fixing members has a head portion that is inserted through a hole in the vehicle body frame member to engage the vehicle body frame member, a body portion that hangs down from the head portion and is inserted through a hole in the top ceiling, and a seat portion that is connected to the bottom of the body portion and supports the periphery of the hole in the top ceiling from below, The fixing member that fixes the vehicle body frame member and at least a part of the fixing portion of the top ceiling has a body portion that has a length such that the gap is formed between the vehicle body frame member and the top ceiling placed on the seat portion. Vehicle superstructure.

4. The vehicle upper structure according to any one of claims 1 to 3, a second elastic member having vibration damping properties, the second elastic member being disposed between the vehicle body frame member and the top ceiling in a state of contacting the lower surface of the vehicle body frame member and the upper surface of the top ceiling; the second elastic member is in a compressed state between the vehicle body frame member and the top ceiling due to a compressive force applied from the vehicle body frame member and the top ceiling; Vehicle superstructure.

5. In the upper structure of the vehicle described in claim 4, The second elastic member is provided so as to extend in the vehicle width direction along the vehicle body frame member. Vehicle superstructure.

6. The vehicle upper structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, the vehicle body frame member is a front header, The at least some of the fixing portions include at least one fixing portion of a sun visor fixing portion that fixes the sun visor together with the top ceiling to the vehicle body frame member, a gusset fixing portion that is a portion where the top ceiling is fixed to the vehicle body frame member via a gusset, and a bracket fixing portion that fixes the overhead console together with the top ceiling to the vehicle body frame member via a bracket. Vehicle superstructure.

7. The vehicle upper structure according to any one of claims 1 to 5, The vehicle body frame member is a rear header. Vehicle superstructure.

8. The vehicle upper structure according to any one of claims 1 to 7, The top ceiling is disposed spaced apart from the vehicle body frame member in the up-down direction. Vehicle superstructure.

Images